January 28, 2013

Grant them the wisdom: Funding from Verizon provides peer tutors in academics, finances at K-State Salina

Students at Kansas State University Salina will have access to free academic and financial counseling through the campus's Academic and Career Advising Center thanks to a $12,000 grant from the Verizon Wireless Foundation, which focuses on STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math -- education.

The grant provides funding for peer tutors to provide financial counseling and academic tutoring to students in STEM majors.

"This is the first time the ACAC has been able to provide peer financial counseling," said Danielle Brown, academic and career adviser. "We employ 15 to 20 peer tutors in topics and classes that students typically seek help with. The tutors are paid, but their services are available to students for free."

The Verizon Wireless Foundation grant will supplement salaries for the center's peer tutors for students majoring in STEM fields. The center partnered with Daniel Botz, professor of personal financial planning, using his expertise to create the strategic plan for the program. Botz will also mentor the peer financial counselors.